Casket pillow display with inspirational images

ABSTRACT

I have invented a casket pillow display comprising inspirational and spiritual images, artwork, or lyrics to comfort the bereaved. These images are displayed either on a casket pillow casing or directly on the casket pillow fabric. The preferred embodiment of the casket pillow display comprises a front panel displaying a digitally printed or screen printed inspirational image, and a back portion comprising two crisscrossing strips of material. In the preferred embodiment, the crisscrossing strips are of an elastic material and are fastened at each of the four corners of the back side of the front panel. The preferred embodiment further comprises a pocket or pouch to receive memorabilia attached to a back portion of the casket pillow or casket pillow casing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING,” A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

This invention relates to casket accessories. More particularly, this invention relates to a display for a casket pillow with inspirational artwork to comfort the bereaved.

(2) Description of the Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98.

The current state of the art contains many casket accessories to achieve varying purposes. Yet there does not exist a casket pillow display comprising inspirational or spiritual images to comfort the bereaved, or a casket pillow or casket pillow casing that displays inspirational images to comfort the bereaved with an integral memorabilia pocket.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,153,960 discloses a pillow for a burial casket with a separate pillow case. However, this patent does not provide for the placement of any images on the case.

In addition, many patents and patent applications disclose memorabilia compartments for the bereaved to place mementos, for example, US 2003/0024090 A1. But none of these disclose a memorabilia compartment integral with a casket pillow casing.

US 2002/0004972 A1 discloses a casket interior kit including a pillow, for the purpose of coordinating the interiors. The pillow provided contains no inspirational images.

US 2002/0023325 A1 provides custom designs that are digitally imaged and affixed to the external surface of a casket. While this invention provides images intended to comfort the bereaved, such images are not disclosed as spiritual or inspirational, and are not provided on the casket pillow.

US 2004/0158960 A1 provides a pillow cover for the purpose of coordinating the casket accessories. The pillow cover contains special interest graphics and airbrushed artworks such as photographs, whimsical motifs, family pet, or on different themes. This patent application requires the pillow case to be part of a kit including other casket accessories, and does not provide spiritual or inspirational images.

In addition, there are non-casket pillows and pillow covers in the prior art modified to receive images or that contain article-receiving pockets. For example, US 2003/0106156 A1 describes a pillow with a patch attachment containing artwork. However, the artwork is displayed on a patch for the pillow, and not one a pillow cover. The pillow is not adapted for use in a casket, and the images are not disclosed as spiritual or inspirational.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,362 provides a three dimensional image on a pillow case intended to be aesthetically pleasing to a child.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,267,638 A1 provides a pillow case with a pocket for a child's article. The pocket is provided on the front of the pillow case and adapted for sleep use by a child.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,898,962 discloses a pillow with photographic displays. The images are contained within clear pockets with openings to change the display.

None of the pillows or pillow coverings in the prior art provide a casing for a casket pillow that displays inspirational or spiritual images to comfort the bereaved, or a casing for a casket pillow with an integral memorabilia pocket.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a casket pillow display comprising inspirational or spiritual images, artwork, or lyrics to comfort the bereaved.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a removable casing for a casket pillow that is adapted to receive casket pillows of various sizes and shapes and displays inspirational or spiritual images to comfort the bereaved.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a casket pillow or casing for a casket pillow that displays inspirational or spiritual images, artwork, or lyrics to comfort the bereaved with an integral memorabilia pocket.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

I have invented a casket pillow display comprising inspirational and spiritual images, artwork, or lyrics to comfort the bereaved. These images are displayed either on a casket pillow casing or directly on the casket pillow fabric. The preferred embodiment of the casket pillow display comprises a suitable image and an image receiving casing, the casing further comprising a front image receiving panel, and a back portion comprising two crisscrossing strips of material. The image will be displayed on the entire front panel. In the preferred embodiment of the casing, the crisscrossing strips are of an elastic material and are fastened at each of the four corners of the back side of the front panel. In the preferred embodiment, the front panel of the casket pillow casing is formed of a stretchable fabric to further accommodate varying shapes of casket pillows. In the preferred embodiment, the image is created by hand painting, computer programs and/or photography and transferred to the fabric with digital printing or screen printing. The casket pillow display can further contain a pocket or pouch to receive memorabilia attached to a back portion of the pillow or casing. Other embodiments of the casket pillow display provide various constructions of the pillow or the pillow casing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. is a perspective view of the casket pillow display on a permanent pillow casing on a casket pillow showing the placement of the image.

FIG. 2. is a front view of a casket pillow display on a removable casket pillow casing showing placement of the image.

FIG. 3. is a back view of one embodiment of the removable casket pillow casing as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4. is a back view of a first alternate embodiment of the removable casket pillow casing as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5. is a back view of a second alternate embodiment of the removable casket pillow casing as shown in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The Casket Pillow Display 5, as depicted in FIGS. 1-5, generally comprises a front panel 10 with an image 15 applied to the entire front panel 10, and various means of securing the casket pillow display to a casket pillow.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the casket pillow display 5 shown on a casket pillow. In FIG. 1, the casket pillow display 5 is either permanently or removably secured to the casket pillow. The covering completely encloses the casket pillow, and can be secured so as not to be removable. The front of the pillow is preferably slanted slightly from the top toward the bottom so that the deceased's shoulder's rest on the narrower part of the casket pillow. The casket pillow display 5 preferably slants with the pillow. If the casket pillow covering is permanently secured, it can be filled with either an entire casket pillow, or with any suitable stuffing material. If the casket pillow covering is removably secured, it can be secured with any suitable means such as buttons, snaps, Velcro, or zippers.

FIG. 2 is the front view of the casket pillow display 5 as provided in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, and 5. The front panel 10 contains an image consisting of a spiritual image, an inspirational image, spiritual words or lyrics, or inspirational words or lyrics 15. The image 15 fills the entire front panel 10.

FIG. 3 is the back view of one embodiment of a removable casket pillow display 5. In this embodiment, the casket pillow display can be secured to a casket pillow and easily removed. The securing means comprises a back panel 20. The back panel is preferably ¾ of the length of the front panel. The back panel preferably has an elastic strip 25 formed of elasticized material to secure the covering 5 on the casket pillow 40. A portion of the back of the pillow 40 will be uncovered. FIG. 3 portrays a pouch 30 with an opening 35 for placing mementos or memorabilia. The embodiment portrayed in FIG. 3 can be provided without an elasticized strip on the back panel 20 as well.

FIG. 4 is the back view of an alternate embodiment of a removable casket pillow display 5. Four elasticized straps 45, 50, 55, 65 comprise the securing means. The elastic straps 45-65 are coupled into two parallel sets where 45, 50 comprise one parallel set and 55, 60 comprise the other parallel set. The two ends of each elastic strap 45-65 are attached to two diagonally opposed corners of the front panel 10 (not visible in this figure) so that they crisscross along the back of the front panel 10. The pillow 40 is visible through the straps. The straps can be woven. The straps are preferably formed of an elastic material, but can be of a rigid material as well.

FIG. 5 is the back view of a second alternate embodiment of a removable casket pillow display 5. A pair of crisscrossing cords 65, 70, and a cord-pull closure 75 comprise the securing means. The ends of the cords 65, 70 are attached to the four corners of the front panel 10 (not visible in this figure), extend over the back of the pillow, and meet in the center at the cord pull closure 75. The cord ends 80 extend from the cord-pull closure 75. The covering adjustably fits most casket pillows, and is secured with the cord-pull closure 75. The back of the pillow 40 is visible between the cords 65, 70.

In the preferred embodiment, the image 15 is created by hand painting, computer programs and/or photography and transferred to the fabric with digital printing or screen printing. The image can consist of artwork, illustrations, depictions, pictures, lyrics, stylized words, or inspirational words or lyrics, or a combination thereof. The image can be created with any suitable art medium.

The casket pillow display and fabric pillow covering can be of any appropriate size or shape to accommodate varying casket needs. The pillow can be slanted, square, rectangular, or other appropriate shape. The images can be applied to a casket pillow casing or directly to the casket pillow fabric.

The casket pillow display can further contain embroidery enhancement, beading, or other decorations and designs.

The casket pillow display can be formed of any suitable material. The material can be of any appropriate color or texture. The material can be rigid and taut, and be tailored to fit the casket pillow perfectly. The material can alternatively be stretchy, or elastic, and adjustably fit varying pillows.

The images on the front of the pillow can be inspirational, spiritual, or religious in nature. The images can be applied using any suitable medium for the fabric or material being used in a particular embodiment. The images can be tailored to a specific theme, for example, a child's casket or for a specific religion.

Any of the embodiments can incorporate a memorabilia pouch, or be provided without a pouch. The pouch can be located at any suitable point of the covering.

We have illustrated a preferred embodiment of the invention. However, it is to be understood that changes and variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed.

Many variations of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art. All such variations are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the invention. Although some embodiments are shown to include certain features, I specifically contemplate that any feature disclosed in this description may be used together or in combination with any other feature on any embodiment of the invention. I have also contemplated that any feature may be specifically excluded from any embodiment of the invention.

Further aspects of the invention will become apparent from consideration of the drawings and the description of preferred embodiments of the invention. A person skilled in the art will realize that other embodiments of the invention are possible and that the details of the invention can be modified in a number of respects, all without departing from the inventive concept. Thus, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

-   -   5. Casket Pillow Display     -   10. Front Panel     -   15. Image     -   20. Back Panel     -   25. Elastic Material     -   30. Pocket     -   35. Opening     -   40. Casket Pillow     -   45. Strap     -   50. Strap     -   55. Strap     -   60. Strap     -   65. First Cord     -   70. Second Cord     -   75. Cord-pull closure     -   80. Loose cord ends 

1. An Inspirational Casket Pillow Display comprising: a. A casket pillow covering comprising at least one fabric panel permanently encasing an entire casket pillow; b. An inspirational image permanently applied to at least one of said fabric panels;
 2. The inspirational casket pillow display of claim 1 in which said inspirational image is permanently applied directly on casket pillow fabric.
 3. An Inspirational Casket Pillow Display comprising: a. A casket pillow covering comprising at least one fabric panel removably encasing an entire casket pillow; b. An inspirational image permanently applied to at least one of said fabric panels;
 4. The inspirational casket pillow display of claim 3 further comprising a temporary securing means comprising at least one button.
 5. The inspirational casket pillow display of claim 3 further comprising a temporary securing means comprising at least one zipper.
 6. The inspirational casket pillow display of claim 3 further comprising a temporary securing means comprising at least one snap closure.
 7. The inspirational casket pillow display of claim 3 further comprising a temporary securing means comprising at least one hook and pile fastener.
 8. An Inspirational Casket Pillow Display comprising: a. A casket pillow covering comprising a fabric panel to removably cover the entire front portion of a casket pillow; b. An inspirational image permanently applied to said fabric panel; c. A means of securing said covering to a casket pillow.
 9. The casket pillow display of claim 8 in which said securing means comprises two sets of parallel straps attached to diagonally opposed corners of said fabric panel, forming a crisscross over the back of the casket pillow.
 10. The casket pillow display of claim 8 in which said securing means comprises two straps attached to diagonally opposed corners of said fabric panel, forming a crisscross over the back of the casket pillow.
 11. The casket pillow display of claim 8 in which said securing means comprises two elastic straps attached to diagonally opposed corners of said fabric panel, forming a crisscross over the back of the casket pillow.
 12. The casket pillow display of claim 8 in which said securing means comprises a second fabric panel attached to said first fabric panel at three sides, allowing a casket pillow to be inserted at the open end.
 13. The casket pillow display of claim 8 in which said securing means comprises a second fabric panel that is ¾ the height of the casket pillow that is attached to said first fabric panel at three sides, allowing a casket pillow to be inserted at the open end.
 14. The casket pillow display of claim 8 in which said securing means comprises a second fabric panel of an elastic material that is ¾ the height of the casket pillow, said second fabric panel being attached to said first fabric panel at three sides, allowing a casket pillow to be inserted at the open end.
 15. The casket pillow display of claim 8 in which said securing means comprises a second fabric panel that is ¾ the height of the casket pillow, an elastic material provided at the bottom portion of said second fabric panel, said second fabric panel being attached to said first fabric panel at three sides, allowing a casket pillow to be inserted at the open end.
 16. The casket pillow display of claim 8 in which said securing means comprises at least two cords fastened to at least two corners of said fabric panel, said cords being secured with a cord-pull closure.
 17. The casket pillow display of claim 8 in which said image is created with a combination of hand painting, computer programs and photography.
 18. The casket pillow display of claim 8 in which said image is created with a suitable art medium and transferred to said fabric panel with screen printing.
 19. The casket pillow display of claim 8 in which said image is created with a suitable art medium and transferred to said fabric panel with digital printing.
 20. The casket pillow display of claim 8 in which said image is the same size as said fabric panel.
 21. The casket pillow display of claim 8 further comprising a pouch modified to receive memorabilia.
 22. The casket pillow display of claim 8 in which said image is of a religious theme.
 23. The casket pillow display of claim 8 further comprising embroidery enhancements.
 24. The casket pillow display of claim 8 in which said image further comprises lyrics.
 25. The casket pillow display of claim 8 in which said image further comprises inspirational words. 